Why we failed one hundred Years ago

Part 2

Honor among thieves

They had thrown the bodies into the wagon and set it ablaze at dawn, ensuring that any light from the fire would remain hidden from nearby patrols. The acrid scent of burning flesh clung to their clothes for hours afterward, but they had endured far worse before. The smoke would not be a problem either, thanks to the Dying Mountains' notorious tar pits, which belched forth their own putrid fog, indistinguishable from the black smoke. Jun couldn't decide which foul odor he found more repugnant: the smell of dead men or the boiling stench of mountain bogs. The humid air didn't make things any better either and each swallow of air lingered foul on the tongue making every breath a chore.

He and his band of rogues had already been caught once, and that narrow escape was already too close for comfort. Regrettably, this meant they had to abandon any supplies they couldn't carry themselves, making an already challenging mission even more formidable. With each passing day, fatigue and dwindling rations weighed them down, and the merciless sun beat upon their backs. They had no choice but to press on, navigating the treacherous secret mountain pass.

Even with all that against them, Jun was surprisingly optimistic and full of youthful energy. "See, nothing to it. Didn't I tell you that plan would work? Those stone crows never saw what hit them! Now, am I right or am I right?"

"Stop celebrating. You just got lucky back there, that's all," a gruffer voice countered. "If these had been Dragoons you'd be singing a different tune boy!"

"Speak for yourself! Ha!" The handsome young boy raised a clenched fist. He wore a dark straw hat and was clad in blue stealth attire. His silver long hair, a unique feature among his companions, fell to his shoulders. The others either shaved their scalps completely or sported a single lock of hair fashioned into a sideways ponytail which accented their smooth heads.

Jun continued, "Luck has nothing to do with it! I make my own luck, and for those who don't know what that means, it means I'm skilled. Unlike you, I actually have talent."

"Yeah, you're skilled all right," a brawny man in his twenties scoffed. "Skilled at eating before anyone else and sneaking off like an alley cat when work needs to be done. I don't see what you're smiling about anyway. We're down two men now, or haven't you noticed?" The man shoved the lad, but the kid held his ground, unflinching.

"I noticed," the brave boy retorted. "But that's the cost of war. They know what they signed up for. The sensei always says it's an honor to die for the cause—"

"Tell that to the ones who died."

Another voice, even more menacing and rough, interjected, "And what do you know of death, boy?"

"I know enough..." The boy flashed a grin, unsheathing a curved dirk and twirling it expertly like a juggler before sheathing it again. The boy chuckled softly. "Maybe, if you'd given me a more significant role back there other than a glorified distraction, they might still be alive!"

The largest and most intimidating man among them, Saburo, spat on the rocky steps of the mountain pass as they trudged along. "I doubt that."

Jun huffed back defiantly, wearing a grin. "Ah, what do you know! The sensei chose me as well as the rest of you for this mission, and I mean to see it through! He sees something in me!"

"Yeah, he sees a brat who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut and let the men do the talking!" Jiro retorted. "He probably sent you with us to get rid of you once and for all! After all, this mission of ours has a very high chance of death! Maybe that was his reckoning?" the slender assassin laughed heartily.

Like the boy, he too was garbed in dark blue attire, but unlike him, he wasn't handsome at all and had a grotesque scar that slashed his left eye which reached his chin. It also didn't help that he moved like a snake, almost swaying side to side. The larger brute, Saburo, lumbered along like a cave hinox. Those who also trailed behind were more or less rather normal in comparison. Well, as assassins go that is.

"Whatever... You're just jealous that I've been chosen to go on an important mission like this younger than you ever were... You'll see..." The lad shrugged, ignoring their doubts. "We'll soon be at the capital, and I'll show you all."

The small warrior leaped into the air as if to kick his heels together, with a raised fist in the air. "I can't wait! I've never been to a city that big before. Just ripe for the taking and I hear the girls there are pretty too, which makes it even better! Hell, I may even have a little fun while I'm at it. After all, we'll have three days to explore, right? I could even have some fun for the both of us! How would you like that, Jiro?"

"Settle down, will ya!" Jiro chastised, taking a deep breath as he tried to collect himself. His tone was harsh. It had been a long and tumultuous journey, more so than he expected, and he was in no mood to entertain a child. "We didn't come here to fraternize with the enemy. We are on explicit orders from the Sensei!"

"Yeah, we are, but I don't remember him putting you in charge," retorted the lad. "By what right does that make you chief slayer, hmm? The Sensei made it clear that Sasuke will be leading the mission."

"Why, you pesky little gutter rat. I'll have you spitting blood—"

"Enough squabbling you two." Came the rough shout of their leader. Sasuke's commanding voice cut through the cacophony like a sudden gust of wind. "You're both giving me a splitting headache from all your jibber-jabbering. For three days I had to endure your endless squabbling. Must you two squawk like a pair of marsh birds until the end of time?"

"Sorry, Sasuke. He just gets on my nerves. He has no respect," Jiro insisted, head hung low in respect.

"I have plenty, just not for you, Jiro," teased the young one.

Jiro's face reddened all over again, and he balled up a fist, but their leader stepped between them. "Enough, I said! He is just a boy! Don't let him rile you up so. Besides, I'm going to need my best men levelheaded when we arrive," Sasuke spoke, halting the group with stiff raised hands during their march down a hidden narrow canyon. A secret and treacherous trail only they knew about.

The donkeys whined, and several of the other men pulled back on them toward the end of the group. They arrived at a cove that was shielded on all sides. A perfect place to make camp until sunset. It was too scorching a day to carry on, and the animals wouldn't have it, not without some rest and watering.

"Now listen, all of you," the leader signaled for everyone to huddle; rallying the dozen of them. Sasuke spoke up, "We'll be upon the gates of the city by daybreak tomorrow, and we all best be ready. Remember, the Sensei isn't kind to those who fail him. We are to accomplish two objectives. We all know our roles to play, right?" The leader pointed to the youngest one of them. "Jun, what will you be doing?"

The boy rolled his eyes and sighed, wishing he had a larger part. "I know, I know... Watching after our escape and making sure to have us some better mounts ready for when we get out of there."

"Good," Sasuke nodded, his eyes sweeping over the group. "Now, ensure you get us a fair price tomorrow at Silverrupee Square for these donkeys and Gerudo trinkets we plundered. These animals served us well and they were strong and dumb when we needed them to be. They were perfect for climbing these arid mountains and wasteland trails; and they also don't spook easily like horses do and can traverse these rocky, hidden passes better. But, unlike a good horse they are slower than a Goron rolling uphill. And that makes them useless for what is coming.

"Once our task is done, we'll need to be swift as lightning if we want any hope of keeping our heads on our shoulders. By then the whole Royal army will be on our heels which makes our journey back to the rendezvous a different road than the secret one we are on now. Our only chance of survival is a hasty escape to where we can lose them. So, we'll be relying solely on you to secure us swift steeds for our getaway. And they don't come cheap. Nothing but good, strong destriers will do. No mistakes this time, do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand, sheesh. It's not like I've ever failed you before."

"No, but I want you to take this seriously. Our lives are in your hands. If we don't escape, you might as well plunge headfirst into that chasm over there. It would be preferable to the fate that awaits you if you fail. These people may call us the savages but don't be fooled, it is they who will show you no mercy, child or not... And as for the rest of you!" Sasuke shouted, capturing everyone's attention. "Half of you will create a diversion at the ceremony, while Tanaka, Ichiro, and I will spring the main trap to crush those who dare oppose us. Jiro, you and Saburo will deal with our esteemed guest of honor and secure the prize."

One of the rogues spoke up. "But how are we to do that? That part of the castle grounds is heavily guarded. We'll never get within five leagues without being caught for sure!"

"Not to worry. I have it under the best authority that by the morrow's twilight veil the Sanctum stairwell will be practically defenseless."

"You do? But how can you be so sure?" Tanaka questioned, cupping his chin. He wasn't a coward by any imagination but even he acknowledged the peril that would put them in if they miscalculated even the slightest bit.

"Because he has a man on the inside, that's how." Jiro chuckled with a snorty laugh.

Sasuke turned and smiled, surprised that his subordinate could be so clever. "My oh my, I'm impressed Jiro. I give you credit. You really are just as smart as you are ugly, just like Jun says."

Jiro was about to chuckle, pleased by the compliment not before realizing it wasn't one.

"See, even Sasuke thinks you would scare the maidens away." blurted Jun, covering a hearty laugh with both hands.

"Shuddup!" Jiro groaned. "Why you! Just wait until I get my hands on you—"

"-Enough already!" shouted their leader. He took in a deep breath and focused on the plan at hand. "But, you're right... I have just the man we need."

Another man interrupted. "But, how do you know that this Hylian can be trusted? After all, they are all nothing but treacherous vermin! The whole lot of them! No honor among any of them!"

Sasuke grinned, relishing his secret knowledge. "Funny you should say that. When he came to me, I thought he'd be more worried about us betraying him. He's quite determined this one, even refusing our payment. This is personal for him. We can use that to our advantage."

"But, what if this Hylian turns his back on us or springs a trap? What then?" Ichiro asked, fanning his arms out in a worry.

Tanaka perked up and unsheathed his sickle. "Then I say, let him try! I ain't afraid of the Royal guards and I'm certainly not afraid of any hylian!'"

"-Yeah, so long as if they're little or old, that is!" japed another, hacking away at Tanaka's pride. Some of the others in the group broke up into laughter.

"Stop that! All of ya's! I mean it!" Tanaka raged, but before things could escalate the stern low voice of their leader cut through their smiles into silence.

"Enough," said Sasuke, clearing his throat. "This is our plan and if any man here doubts it then let him speak his peace now." The fierce master scanned the group with his red eyed glare and not a one dared to utter a phrase of objection.

With the matter settled Jiro relented. "I see...Well, then...If you're confident in this man, then that's good enough for me. You've never failed us yet Master."

"But, we're going to need the Princess as well if our plans are going to work!" Blurted another. "Sensei said that the Greenwitch made it very clear that we need her and the Ark. Both of them!"

"That's right," Concurred Jiro.

"I can help with that! No sweat!" Jun piped up.

"You? You're just a boy of hardly twelve!" Jiro groaned and shoved back the lad. "This kind of work is the province of men! You best stay out of it and leave this to the professionals."

"Why not, I'm just as good at slitting throats as any of you! I'm much better, in fact. Because, unlike your ugly mug that will frighten them from here to yonder over the hills, I, on the other hand, am handsome. They would never assume anything coming from me. It would be the last thing they'd suspect."

"Why you no good little runt! I had just about enough out of your mouth! I'll run you through-" Jiro raised his sword.

"Stop it!" Sasuke interjected.

" But Master Sasuke, he needs to learn some manners!"

"I said shut up already... I can barely hear myself think...hmm...yes, wait a minute." Their leader spun and gazed up to the sunset sky and pondered for what seemed like hours to the others though was only a moment. "Perhaps the boy has a point. Yes, I think our little miscreant is right. Our mischief-maker here might be better suited for this task than any of us." Sasuke spoke up, turning back to face the group.

"Ah, Master Sasuke, you can't be serious to trust a mere boy with something so important."

"I am."

Ichiro chimed also. "Come off it already, Jiro! Cut the lad some slack will ya?" the man chuckled up a devilish grin. "And besides, better the boy risk his neck than me having to do so. I say let him have a crack at it. If he wants to prove himself so bad, then I say, let him."

"Wahoo! Now we're talking! Leave the princess to me, no prob!" Jun exclaimed, bouncing on his toes. With a flourish, he whipped his hat from his head, performing a dazzling illusion that made it vanish, leaving only a shower of burning talismans that flickered and faded before they could touch the ground.

Jiro rebuffed, "And what do you know about girls? Hmm?"

"I know I'll know a heck of a lot more about them before you ever will, that's for sure!" Jun snarked, implicating his scarred face that even a mother couldn't love.

"What! Why, you're just a boy what do you know?! You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. It takes a man! Hell, you're too young to even know what it's like to even be with a woman! Let alone beguile and befriend one."

"Neither do you, and that doesn't stop you from thinking you're an expert!"

"Why you pipsqueak!" Jiro attempted to jerk the boy and throttle him but he was too swift.

As the lad fled, Sasuke stepped between them and snared him by the shirt. "Hold on just a second. Are you sure you're up for this Jun? You may have aided in the slaying of full-grown men before. But, those were soldiers of the Draene army, hedge knights or the bought mercenaries of outskirt lords. This is entirely different. It's one thing to slit the throat of brigands and soldiers but to slay young girls in their sleep...I don't know..."

"I got this...Trust me Master Sasuke, I can do this. Just give me the chance." Pleaded the young warrior, begging to be taken seriously as a man.

"Are you sure? Can you take the life of an innocent maiden if the time came? Do you have what it takes? I mean, do you really? Because this is nothing like you're used to. Could you end the life of a sweet smile coming from a beautiful, helpless girl when the time comes? Act with precision, maintain your focus even as the fast pace of her breathing is in your ear? Could you do the deed when her shivering eyes are staring back at you begging for mercy?"

Sasuke pressed his interrogation, not letting up the psychological taunts. "Can you handle the quiver of her trembling skin against your cold steel as it opens up her throat, spilling her red life? The terrible quivering of her body in your arms before she fades to stillness as you silence her pleas forever?" The leader of the Yiga outlaws finished, his eyes fixed on Jun.

Jun shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the group.

"Well, boy! Can ya!?" Jiro demanded, his voice low and forceful. Saburo also stood by menacingly, crossing his arms.

Jun swallowed hard, his hand gripping tightly on the hilt of his recurved blade. It was now or never to prove himself to them that he was a Yiga assassin through and through and was ready. All the eyes of his companions were on him. "Yes, yes! Enough already, I get it!" he exclaimed, frustration in his voice. "Don't worry. I can handle this. But why would I have to kill the girl anyways? I thought the Sensei needs her alive for the ritual? I thought the plan is to gain her trust and lure her away with me?"

Sasuke answered. "We do, but the Princess has many lady servants in her charge. One could easily get in the way...Who knows what will happen in the next three days and if that were to be the case, then it would be up to you to maintain the peace. There can be no hesitations." The leader squeezed the lad's shoulder as he pulled away. "Get it?"

Jiro shoved him by the other side impatiently, "Well!? Do ya?"

"Yeah, I get it..." Jun huffed back annoyed.

"You best will, or it will be me coming for your throat! Do you hear me?" Jiro threatened. His towering partner, Saburo stomped beside him in agreement.

"You act like I don't hate these people as much as any of you do. Need I remind you what they did to my family? My parents? They're murderers...all of them. I want them all to suffer just as much as you do! As I have suffered!" Jun retorted, tears beginning to well up in his eyes, but he fought hard not to show them or any fear. So, with a sniff they disappeared.

The leader stood beside him and embraced him with one arm over his shoulder and with his other hand poked firmly against the boy's chest. The lad couldn't tell if it was a demand, a promise, an offering of good luck, or even a threat. But he listened anyway. "That's right and don't forget it when the time comes. Remember that and all that the Sensei has done for you. All of us. There can be no mistakes this time, Jun. Not by anyone or we're as good as dead already. We are all counting on you!" The leader said, his voice firm.

"Yeah, I know...I know..." Jun said, unpacking a light dinner from his satchel which revealed a dried piece of fish and some stale flatbread. Not the best, but when starving it tasted gourmet. "But, I must confess..." he chewed as he spoke. "It sure is a shame that the pretty ones will have to die along with the others. I hear the Princess is quite the flower pedal of Hyrule." Jun added.

"Jun! This is serious." The leader said, his tone stern. "Or must I have someone else—"

"I know...I was only saying. I will do my part; you don't have to worry about me. I swear. You just take care of the rest and I'll be ready when the time comes." He said with a determined glint in the red irises of his eyes.

And with that the leader relented, realizing that the boy's facade of innocence may have been their best hope. "Here take this—all of you." The leader said, handing them each a vial.

"What is it?" Jiro asked.

"A little special something I got during our farewell. A goodluck charm from our dear friend the Greenwitch. A transformation potion. I'm promised that this brew will cloak the glow our eyes to look like theirs. But, only for three days. After that, we'll be on our own, and will be naked. They will notice them by then. So, we have to work fast." The leader explained.

Jun eagerly took a swig of the potion and blinked before spinning to face the others. "Well, how do I look?"

"Still as foolish as ever!" Jiro replied, rolling his eyes.

"Oh yeah? Well, you're still ugly as ever! I guess there's no magic cure for that! Sorry!" Jun retorted, smirking.

"Why you disrespecting, miserable runt!" Jiro growled. "We should have left you where we found ya!"

"Stand back Jiro and listen up!" The leader said, before turning to Jun. "Okay, Jun we are in your hands. These only change our eyes for the time being, but we will need better disguises once the festival of the flame starts. We can get lost in the incoming crowds of pilgrims and travelers but even plain as we are now, some of us cannot. Even with the Greenwitch's magic brew we still need something else to get close to the royal procession when the ceremony begins. Something that won't draw any suspicion."

"So, what are you suggesting?" Tanaka asked.

Sasuke smiled devilishly. "I'm thinking, masks. You will have to do this for us as well, Jun. Find us some from a merchant. They shouldn't be too hard to find. After all, with the 'dawn of the new peace' celebration being held they will all be commemorating their sacred festival of renewal and the princess's ascension. A lot of them will be also wearing masks to show their praise too. That will be our chance. But you need to acquire them for those of us who are wanted men before we could enter the city. It's too risky even with the potion for some of us who are known by the guards to be seen in broad daylight."

Ichiro glanced about to the others who had worry stamped on their faces. "Don't fret men, Jun can do this, I know he can."

Jun smiled, a sense of pride filled him at the acknowledgement from his master.

"Remember, many people will be wearing them too, so nobody will think anything of it."

Everyone nodded at the plans mentioned thus far and Sasuke spoke a final word on the matter. "Now, you all know your orders and what to do. And if everything goes well according to the plan tomorrow, in three days the good people of this kingdom will see the royal family for false gods they truly are once and for all... They will wish they never bent the knee to them."

The leader ushered their fists into the huddle, and each offered up a salute and declaration. "Remember my brothers, do or die, forever our memory echoes on in secrets and shadows!" And in one voice they shouted in unison their sacred credo. "Secrets and shadows!"

Authors Notes: Thanks for reading this far and be sure to leave a comment if you enjoyed the chapter now that the story has reset all its numbers. Please and thank you so much. Also, you will have to resubscribe notifications to this story now that it will continue here so you never miss a drop. - Sky